My FH5 Log: What killed the Renaultsport Clio?

The Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of the breed of Renault's compact midsized hot hatchbacks that compete against the likes of the defunct Ford Fiesta ST. It's a shame that its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales but it's a clear reminder that although they are forgotten, they're becoming future classics for generations to come.

Most carmakers say that due to the rise of crossovers, the climate of hot hatches are grim as they've expected because with fewer speedo boys buying hot hatchbacks like the Renaultsport Clio, they have no choice but not to carry on to the next generation of hatchbacks. Sure, they are offering mildly sporty variants of normal hatchbacks but when you're talking about performance, this word is no longer applied to their vocabulary anymore. Sounds tragic but there's more to it than that.

Asked about which version of the Renaultsport Clio is the best, some would say it's the facelifted Renaultsport Clio III because it's the last Renaultsport Clio to be a three-door hot hatch and the last to mated to a manual gearbox. Yes, the Renaulptsport Clio IV is a fast hatchback indeed on a track day but when it comes to excitement, it's the Renaultsport Clio III that stands out the most. 

With its 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, Brembo brake calipers, and upgraded suspension, it's all about back to basics with the Renaultsport Clio III. The Renaultsport Clio IV, meanwhile, is kind of unorthodox because of its questionable powertrain. It's powered by the same 1.6L DIG TURBO engine as the Nissan Juke but it produces 200PS of power, about the same as its predecessor, but it's been mated to a 6-speed EDC that shifts quicker than the previous model but in terms of driving experience, it rather spoils the fun. Despite the gearbox, the reworked chassis and dynamics made the Renaultsport Clio IV more capable to drive on a track-day basis.

Speaking of which, it's time to give these last runners of the Renaultsport Clio lineage a quick and dirty drive downhill from the caldera to see which one is the quickest. Before you ask, yes, I got that Renaultsport Clio III from the FORDZATHON Hot Season Playlist you're on now, so if you haven't got it, it's your last chance.

Anyway, with the preparations set, the search for the answer begins now.

With their runs completed, here are the results;

Clio III RS F/L - 4m13.020s

Clio IV RS - 4m12.402s

As expected, it's a close result between the two Clios. The Renaultsport Clio IV managed to beat its predecessor by nearly a second. That's incredible for a car with similar performance as its previous model even though they're way out of their leagues.

It's sad that the Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of its kind and because its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales, there's nothing to do but express dejection while getting appreciated for what they're driving right now. It may not be the best Clio ever made but it's going to be a future classic for generations to come.

One day the hot Clio will return but because Renaultsport is finished for good, it will become an Alpine. Sounds far-fetched but there may be a glimmer of hope for the revival of a hot Clio. Until then, enjoy what's left in the Renaultsport Clio lineage.

The more you know.

My FH5 Log: The ultimate Clio that never was

Obtained from the FH5's FORZATHON Dry Season Playlist, the one-off Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept pays a visit to the Horizon Mexico Festival, showcasing to the crowd the performance never applied to the last Renaultsport Clio.

Built to celebrate four decades of RenaultSport, this commemorative one-off based on the Clio IV RS is powered by the same 275hp 2.0L turbo engine from the Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy-R as well as reworked chassis and suspension systems made with racing purposes in mind. The livery and the name were inspired by one of Renault's Formula 1 racing drivers, marking Renault's return as a Formula 1 constructor, and to celebrate its comeback, they've enlisted Kevin Magnussen to drive it around the streets of Monaco.

This one-off project was made by a team of ten or so people and it took less than five months to get it done so everything is working by the moment it lets its turbocharged engine loose and what a machine it is.

With the introduction done, it's time to give the forgotten Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept a Hillclimb attack while dealing with some dummies to play with. Roll the tape.

For a Clio with the mechanicals of the Renaultsport Megane, it's got the gusto that never was. Too bad Renaultsport is gone and the dream of a powerful Clio is no longer happening. Boo.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: Dreamer's Clio

The Renaultsport Clio IV would have been the fantastic little hatchback enthusiasts wanted but with the double clutch only offering, this hot hatch really feels like a letdown to many, and even with the 220 Trophy EDC with improved dynamics and shifting response, it still won't make the cut to everyone.



So, what would Renault do to convince skeptics that their hot Clio is the best affordable hot hatch ever made?



Simple, really. Make a one-off, show it at the Monaco GP, and leave it until the looks became the basis of the minor change Renaultsport Clio. This is the Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept, a one-off celebrating the return of Renault to Formula 1 as a constructor team.



Built to celebrate four decades of RenaultSport, this commemorative one-off based on the Clio IV RS is powered by the same 275hp 2.0L turbo engine from the Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy-R as well as reworked chassis and suspension systems made with racing purposes in mind. The livery and the name were inspired by one of Renault's Formula 1 racers, marking Renault's return as a Formula 1 constructor, and to celebrate its comeback, they've enlisted Kevin Magnussen to drive it around the streets of Monaco.

This one-off project was made by a team of ten or so people and it took less than five months to get it done so everything is working by the moment it lets its turbocharged engine loose and what a machine it is.



For a one-off that took five months to assemble, the Clio RS16 Concept feels like a Megane on so many levels and it's basically one of the best handling hot hatches never made, sadly. Yes, it is a concept car but the way it behaves really made us happy, sad, silly, and mad, just like any other production hot hatches on the road today. For Renault, they've truly flipped the trump card with the ultimate Clio that never was.

To find out if Renault flipped the card with the Clio RS16 Concept, I'm taking a flight towards LEGO Valley to stretch its imaginary muscles and see if this concept car is worthy of inspiration for Renault's future hot hatches.







With its imaginary playground set, the Clio RS16 Concept is prepared to flex its muscles while getting its face dirty in the name of science. Roll the tape.

More dirt than I expected but well done, Clio.



The Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept may be a distant dream but all that know-how learned from this one-off served as an inspiration for future Renault hot hatches and we can expect great things to come from Renaultsport.

Dismissed.

Renault Clio V

The previous fourth-generation Renault Clio was proven to be the automotive equivalent of a glass of orange juice and it was proven to be sporty to drive and easy to live with in the beginning. With the arrival of the fifth-generation Clio, there's still so much work to do for France's answer to any midsize hatchback it can take on, just as it had its hopes up and running in the ever-changing automotive world that picks the winners and losers by a snap.

2020 Renault Clio

The fifth-generation Renault Clio, starting at 14,100 Euros plus OTR, shows that it's all about unfinished business for this French midsize hatchback that delivers the right blend of style and performance in one stylish hatchback fit for young urban professionals.

2020 Renault Clio

Starting with the design, the new model is basically reminiscent of the previous fourth-generation model with the fourth-generation Megane's face plastered in the front view, giving the expression that goes 4+4=5, which is mathematically incorrect but it didn't matter anyway because despite its questionable looks, the new Clio is still worth a charmer in every tangible way and even in R.S Line spec or Initiale Paris spec, there's no hiding from the bizarre looks this French hatchback carries.

2020 Renault Clio interior

The inside now boasts a tablet-sized touchscreen like every other Renault of the present era possesses and although not fit for speedo boys many, it's a yuppie treat and it works like an office desk on wheels, meaning it packs a lot of infotainment to toy around while getting accommodated by its more comfortable interior that is about as spacious as the previous model as well as its decent boot space big enough for just about everything. Not bad for Renault, though.

2020 Renault Clio

The most powerful version at launch is the one with the 1.3 TCe engine that produces 130PS of power and with the 7-speed EDC, it goes from 0-100kph in nine seconds and a top speed of 200kph, faster than the Corolla Sport, which can only do 180kph of course. For those looking for efficiency but don't like diesel like every European does, you can expect a hybrid variant joining the range soon and it promises to be as efficient as any hybrids get but without the stereotypical scenario, most hybrids face.

In terms of dynamics, thanks to its new platform, the new Clio is now more enjoyable to drive than the previous model. It's livelier to drive in the bends and more comfortable to drive in the city center, meaning that it's gone from orange juice with pulp to orange juice with no pulp and that's good news for those looking for a sporty hatchback that does just about everything.

Renault promised that the fifth-generation Clio will be the most advanced Renault to date and with that, they've planted it with the EASY DRIVE driver assistance systems featuring Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, Adaptive Cruise Control, automatic high low beam, active emergency brake, Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alert, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Keeping Assist, 360 Camera, and many others. Although surprising and annoying, these safety features show that this new model means big business. It's all in the name of becoming the safest French hatchback ever made, although difficult to explain why.

So, with everything sorted out, there's just one more word about the new Clio; should you buy it? With all the tech, dynamics, performance, and comfort working pretty well for the new model, although the styling has a lot of explanation to do, the new Clio is a way forward for Renault and we can expect good things to come from this new version, whatever it means.

Photo: Renault

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: CLIO!!! On Ice

The Renault Clio RS 200 EDC may not appeal to most car enthusiasts to its dual-clutch gearbox that feels like you've arrived at school a second late but with a little smart thinking and a little imagination, this Clio might be up to something for your satisfaction.





The Renault Clio RS 200 EDC is powered by the same 1.6L DIG Turbo engine from the Nissan Juke crossover, producing 200PS of power output and because it's mated to a 6-speed EDC, it does 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds and flat out in 225kph, which isn't so bad for a good-looking five-door hot hatchback. I know that this car is quicker than the old Gen.3 Renault Clio RS 200, the last to be a three-door hatchback with the manual gearbox to it, but since I am very familiar with the way it handles, feels like it's challenging even for a beginners' car, even in extreme icy conditions felt in Blizzard Mountain.

Although the handling is not what you called beginner's luck, I wouldn't want this one to go to waste because there's something else I can do with this hot Clio...with a little help.







Tweaked to RS 220 EDC Trophy specifications, decorated in something I'm familiar with, and finished in yellow, this Renault Clio's ready to take on Blizzard Mountain like an oblation run, and for its outing, we went downhill because that's what the Clio wanted to do in a snowy place like this, going with the flow. If that's what this hatch wants, so be it.

With the car fully prepared for the job, we set off to do some downhill fun in the snow. However...

I noticed something strange with my Clio and no, it's not the mechanical bits that got me worried. Something fishy going on...Wait! I know! It's those shady duo who swapped my snow tires for regular street tires! Darn, they're good, but what should I do now? How can I win a Blizzard Mountain race with a set of regular tires?! Well, some people claim that they can win a race without a little help from the snow tires but the best way to do such a feat...is by going downhill and because the venue is set, let's see if I can make it out alive by winning a race without snow tires.





Racing without snow tires can be very challenging but racing on a downhill without snow tires can be even more challenging I managed to survive and won the race. Good job for the Clio. Even though I have doubts about the way it performs, I am glad that this hot hatch made me pleased despite the delay tactics from its double-clutch gearbox. With a little bit of imagination, it can achieve almost anything, even in extreme icy conditions as long as nothing's wrong with it.

Speaking of which, I now have 100 stars! That means I'm invited to the finale! Better get ready for the icy finale here in Blizzard Mountain but what could it be? Watch for it!

Forza Motorsport 6 - Chronicling the Clio

The Renault Clio, the midsize compact hatchback in the B-segment in the Renault range, is currently in its fourth generation and while driving this hot RenaultSport version, I realized even though the hatchback's good as a track-day car, its enjoyment is a bit lacking, apart from the double-clutch gearbox that takes a lot longer than I expected to change gears. Perhaps it's the legacy the best Clio per generation had during its two-and-a-half decade existence when it launched in 1990.

Let's go back to where it all began. Since this game had four of the best Renault Clios of a generation, I thought it might provide a great opportunity to learn about the best Clio of a decade or two. Does that make sense? In any case...



The legendary Clio Williams was the best model of the first-generation Clio. In spite of the fact that this car has nothing to do with the Williams F1 team, it uses the 16S model as the basis and is then modified by Renault Sport. It comes with a 2.0L engine producing 147PS of power output and is capable of 215kph of top speed. Aside from that, the Clio Williams features track-oriented handling upgrades well fit for this hot hatch hero.

After all 3,800 units sold out, insistent public demand prompted Renault to build 1,600 more. Later on, Renault created the second and third batches of Clio Williams models, leading to a total of over 12,000 units being built.



When the second-generation Clio came out, the best version was the first and only mid-engined hot hatchback, the Clio V6. Specifically, the Phase II of the Clio V6. When the folks from Renault wanted to develop a V6-powered hot hatchback, they faced a key issue; their V6 engine couldn't accommodate the front hood, so what they did here is to get rid of the rear seats, place the V6 engine midship, make it rear-wheel drive, and this is the result; the world's first and only mid-engined hot hatchback. The Phase II version of the Clio V6 features an updated version of its V6 engine, developing 251HP of power.



Onto the third-generation model, the best version offered is the Clio RS 200. This model is the last to have a naturally aspirated 2.0L petrol engine and conventional 6-speed manual gearbox and although gone, some drivers believed that a good hot hatchback needed to be pure like this, that's why there are hesitant to embrace the latest model and its turbocharged 1.6L engine and EDC gearbox with paddle shifters. Although an improvement to the pre-facelifted model, the Clio III RS 200 features better downforce, capable of tracking down corners with its precise movements.

Anyway, with the history lesson done, the best Clios per generation have been gathered to settle the issue of which Clio is the best and that's why I am at Brands Hatch to settle this issue once and for all. The question is, which Clio is the best? Let's find out.



In the end, I had the results...

Clio Williams - 2:07.028
Clio V6 - 1:59.065
Clio RS 200 - 1:58.827
Clio RS 200 EDC - 1:58.708

Needless to say, despite its flaws, the fourth-generation Renault Clio RS 200 EDC is the ultimate improvement over the past hot Clios through the years. It may be prone to understeering, and its double-clutch gearbox may have some delay tactics on its own, but above all, this Clio managed to withstand the test of time with historical improvements and it's clear to say that this Clio is a track-honed hot hatch in its own right. Let's hope Renault can make the Clio RS even better to keep the enthusiasts longing for more.

Forza Horizon 2: Clio RS EDC, One More Time

When the Renault Clio RS 200 EDC arrived on Forza Horizon 2 via a Mobil 1 Car Pack in October, I was very happy to try out the latest version of Renault's compact hot hatch, which is based on the current-generation Clio (Lutecia in the Japan Market). Despite its stupid double-clutch gearbox that plagued most hot hatch loyalists alike, it's still a great car to master because of its easy-to-handle dynamics. Because I've enjoyed so much about this hot Clio, I decided to try it again only this time with some added twist.





Trying to comply with 220 Trophy standards, I tried to improve my Clio to meet its standards enough to behave like the latest Clio RS 220 Trophy, which is a hardcore, more powerful version of the Clio RS 200 EDC.

Apart from meeting its Trophy standards, and I'm still in the middle of serving up presents for THE iDOLM@STER's 10th birthday, the Clio RS EDC is now under the wraps of the Futami sisters, Ami and Mami. On one side, there's Ami, and on the other side, that's Mami. There's your challenge, producers of the world because in my mind, the Futami sisters wanted to be in a hot hatch and this one's make the cut. This is much more fun to drive than listening to the ESTi remix of Go My Way. Trust me. I made this wrap to win back drivers-can-be-producers from getting migrated to be Lovelivers. Ugh, why did I say that?!

Anyway, I chose Sisteron as the venue for the championship where my improved Clio is taking on but first, a road trip from Nice to Sisteron.



And now, some highlights of the battle of the Hot Hatches in Sisteron where my Clio's taking on...



The Clio has won the Sisteron Hot Hatch championship and it's all because of its healthy balance of performance and aerodynamics, as well as my Ami Mami wrap I made for the Clio, which can really win the day.



There are so much paths to cross here on Forza Horizon 2, even familiar paths than can be revisited at any time. So, as my Clio ticks itself, my work is never done. My journey still continues...

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #05: Jaguar XK120

During my progress at the hot hatch championship where me and my Renault Clio RS 200 EDC are taking part of, I've received a barn find rumor about an abandoned Jaguar hidden somewhere in the Northern part of Italy's San Giovanni.



As I ventured through North San Giovanni, I have discovered that the barn find in question is located over 300 yards near the North San Giovanni speed trap or 2.7 miles from the Montellino Horizon Hub. I'm on my way to retrieve the legendary XK120.



Well, I know what happens next. After retrieval, wait until a notification is flashed on the screen saying that the barn find I found was restored. After that, I rushed to the nearest Horizon hub to claim it.



Before the big aces like the F40, the McLaren F1, and the Bugatti Veyron were born, this Jag was the original ace of aces. Why? This post-war Jag hailed as the world's fastest car when it was launched in 1948. Top speed is 120 mph (193 km/h) of top speed, which in 1948, hailed as the fastest car in the world courtesy of its 3.4L DOHC Straight-6 engine that generates 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 5000 rpm of power.

This model is the SE and this XK120 features wire wheels, increased power, stiffer suspension and dual exhaust system. Therefore, the SE model produces 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) or the one I have comes with the improved 3.4L engine that churns out 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS) of power.

I got the chance to drive this legendary Jaguar because to me, the XK120 is a worthy ancestor to the world's fastest cars including the Ferrari F40, the McLaren F1, and of course, the Bugatti Veyron. Make sure you treat this legend with the respect it deserves when you had one, got it? Anyway, like I was saying...

WHAT?! Another barn find? There's still more of it all over Europe? Well, to make things worse, I've received two barn find rumors earlier! There's so many classics that need to be rescued but let's scramble for later to find some barn finds. Although I'm still in a championship and my Clio needs me, it might be best to focus with the search ops for the barn finds while worrying with the championship progress later.

Forza Horizon 2: Let Princess Clio do the talking!

Oh dear, guess I forgot to provide some introduction about the Renault Clio RS 200 EDC, part of the Mobil 1 Car Pack on sale now, and how it perform. The last time I used it is when I come looking for the lost Willys MB. Time flies but oh well, might as well drive one anyway...



This is the first time the Renaultsport Clio (Renaultsport Lutecia for Japanese) spawned into a turbocharged five-door hot hatchback, which is kind of unorthodox for Renault, but that's not all because for the first time, the new Renaultsport Clio has its manual gearbox thrown away and replaced with a 6-speed EDC gearbox, which made the Clio faster than its predecessors and that's good but that gearbox kinda frowns most hot hatch lovers thinking that throwing away a manual gearbox is a bad idea for a hot Clio, even when the 1.6L DIG Turbo engine develops the same output as the old model's 2.0L natural aspiration engine it replaces.

However, even though the gearbox disappoints most hot hatch fans, that doesn't stop them from enjoying the hot Renault Clio as much as they want judging by its motorsport DNA that most RenaultSport models have over the years. It may be heavy and tend to understeer at high speeds but don't be fooled because it feels very mild to drive even for the racing-shy rookies. Even though its handling characteristics may be somewhat disappointing, it takes time to learn how to drive this thing and if you spent several hours driving around the Renault Clio on Horizon 2, you will know that this is the hot hatchback you'll surely love to drive and coming back for more.



Well, guess the chatterbox ends here and I guess it's time to let Princess Clio do the talking for me so I've signed up for a championship suitable for this car but first, time to give Princess Clio some makeovers she'll surely love.



All set! Looks like Princess Clio's primed up and ready with her racing overalls donned and some minor improvements have been done to keep the Clio more alert and more responsive during races but what the hey? Let's go!



After winning the championship I signed up for the Clio, looks like me and my Renault Clio are getting along just fine. You can rest now, Princess Clio, until tonight's big sleepover.

Forza Horizon 2: Barn Find #03: Jeep Willys MB

When you've encountered a third barn find rumor on Forza Horizon 2, then you'll notice that it was marked somewhere within the vicinity of San Giovanni in western Italy. Recon suggests that it's a few yards near the East Saint-Martin Speed Trap so the barn find in question is nearby.



For recon purposes, I've used the brand new Renault Sport Clio 200 EDC, part of the Mobil 1 Car Pack. You can use any car you want to find the barn find in question but feel free to use whatever means necessary in order to get that treasured machine. Remember, the barn find is located near the East Saint-Martin Speed Trap but if you're new, it's going to take a lot of time until you spot one. If you found one, you'll have to wait for a few minutes until a notification flashed to your screen, meaning that your barn find is now ready for pickup and can be usable in-game.






I've never driven an offroad vehicle that was born for military use by the US Army several decades ago but hey, I just remembered. This military vehicle was once originated the Jeep name although there are some puzzles about the origin of the Jeep word via this car, although it was claimed from the slurring of the letters GP, the military term for General Purpose while others say it came for a character named "Eugene the Jeep" from the Popeye cartoon strip. No one knows what is the true origin of the Jeep term from this vehicle but it doesn't matter because having a machine born from the age of Allies vs. Axis Powers is a collector's item in FH2. Drive it, race it, customizing it, the rest is all up to you to turn this war-born machine into one of the coolest offroaders you can drive through the entire Southern Europe.

Do I have big plans for this Willys Jeep? You'll find out soon in a later post...

Gran Turismo 6: Big muscle or small hatch? A 47-second science question...

When it comes to mastering a certain racetrack, what kind of car do you choose? Would you go for a big V8-powered muscle car or a small but nimble hot hatchback?



To find out, I picked two prime specimens at this case and find out if size does matters in the science of Gran Turismo 6.



On the small side, I chose the Renaultsport Clio III RS200, the hot version of the third-generation Renault Clio and known to be the last hot Clio to come with the manual gearbox because the latest version, as GT6 failed to put it until further notice, has a double-clutch nonsense that purists found it in dismay. On the big side, I've gone for the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 and Mustang enthusiasts want to call it a track-prepped Mustang because even though it produces less than the ultimate GT500, it's beefed up suspension setup and race-prepped updates truly deserves a reputation of being the successor of the original machine that was used for Trans-Am racing.

The setting - the Ascari track. The objective - fastest time wins.




And they're off! While the Boss has over twice the power than the Clio, the French hot hatch is lightweight and its more maneuverable on the corners. The Boss may catch the Clio on the straights but in the corners, the Clio makes a comeback but it's still wasn't enough to nabbed the horse and by the results, the Clio RS finished 4/5th of a second slower than the Boss.

So, it's a clear win for the Boss 302 but what if the Ascari track's getting all wet after a moderate rain? We're going to restart the experiment but this time, things will change because it's a wet lap and in theory, the Clio will surely make amends to the wet track...

Because of all the torque in the Boss 302, you might be having a hard time to survive the wet lap and even if you treat it gently, a slight mistake such as getting out of course or a spin will cost you a big damage but on the plus side, you can enjoy powersliding in the rain...for fun.



The Clio maybe dealing less mistakes in the wet lap but unlike the Mustang Boss 302, its front-wheel drive powertrain makes it easier to survive the rainy day and with good traction, there's nothing to go wrong with it and you won't do the same mistake as I did to the Boss 302.



In the end, the Clio RS managed a 2:39.144 lap time on a wet condition while the Boss 302, thanks to a spin, came to the finish line 11 seconds later.



Conclusive proof that even though high-powered sportscars like the Boss 302 eat the little guys for tea, it's the little guys like the Clio that can survive the wet lap better than a rear-wheel drive muscle car but you can try one for yourself and find out.